BICYCLE SAFETY CHECK
Please return this form to the school prior to your child starting a Bikeability course.
Student Name:
Pupils will not be allowed on the course if, in the opinion of the instructor, their cycle is not in a roadworthy
condition.
SIZE OF BICYCLE
(Check Monthly)
When sitting on the saddle you should be able to touch the ground with the toes of
both feet at the same time.
This bicycle is
 Too small
 Correct
 Too big
SADDLE
(Check Monthly)
The saddle should be at a comfortable height for you (see above) and the safety mark
on the stem should not be visible. Check the saddle nuts are fully tightened.
This saddle is
 Too low
 Loose
 Correct
 Too high
 Safety mark on saddle visible
FRAME/FORKS
(Check Monthly)
Cracks and fractures in the frame can be very dangerous. If you find cracks you must
not ride the bicycle. Also make sure there is no serious rusting on the frame.
This bicycle frame is
 Correct
 Rusted
 Damaged
 Bent
HANDLEBARS
(Check Monthly)
In most cases, the handlebars should be roughly the same height as the saddle. The
safety mark on the stem should not be visible, and they should not move
independently of the front forks.
These handlebars are
 Too low
 Too high
 Correct
 Loose
 Safety mark on stem visible
BRAKES
(Check Daily)
Brakes should be checked every time before you ride. Stand by the bicycle, apply the
front brake and try to push the bicycle forwards. If the front wheel turns then the brake
is not working properly. Do this test again, this time with the rear brake.
When sitting on the saddle you must be able to operate the brake levers without
taking your hands off the handlebars. Look at the brake blocks. They should grip the
side of the wheel rim exactly when the brake levers are applied. If the brake blocks
are worn down they should be replaced. Check that the cables are not frayed.
These brakes are
 Brake blocks missing
 Do not work
 Rider cannot reach levers




Correct
Brake blocks worn
Brake blocks badly fitted
Cables frayed or need tightening
WHEELS
(Check Monthly)
Spin the wheels gently one at a time. They should spin freely without rubbing against
the forks or brakes, and they should not wobble from side to side. Always check that
the wheel nuts or quick release levers are fully tightened before you ride your bike.
These wheels are
 Spokes missing
 Loose
 Correct
 Buckled
 Misaligned
TYRES
(Check Daily)
Tyres should always be pumped up hard. Check them before you ride by pinching the
sides of the tyre together. If they squash easily the tyre should be pumped up. Examine
the tyre tread for worn or bald patches.
These tyres are
 Worn
 Correct
 Need pumping up
CHAIN
(Check Monthly)
A loose chain may come off, get caught in the wheels and throw you off your bike, so
check it by placing a pencil under the bottom part of the chain and lifting it. If the chain
lifts more than 2cm it is too loose. Oil the chain about once a month.
This chain is
 Correct
 Tight
 Needs oil
(this test does not work for deraillieur gears)
 Loose
PEDALS
(Check Monthly)
The pedals should spin freely and they should be fitted with amber pedal reflectors.
These pedals are
 Correct
 Reflectors missing
 Damaged
 Loose
GEARS
(Check Monthly)
Gears easily get clogged up with dirt so keep them clean. Check the cables for fraying.
These gears are
 Correct
 Cables frayed
 Dirty
 Damaged
REFLECTORS
(Check Daily)
Bicycles should have a red rear reflector, a white front reflector, amber reflectors on the
pedals and white or amber reflectors on the spokes. Keep the reflectors clean – they do
not work when dirty, and make sure they don’t work loose.
These reflectors are
 Correct
 Dirty
 Loose
 Some missing
LIGHTS (if fitted)
(Check Daily)
If you ride at night you must have a red rear light and a white front light that shine
brightly. Check them before you go out, if the light is dim, change the batteries.
These lights are
 Correct
 Working poorly
 Not working
 Loose
Reproduced from part of Volkswagen Safety and Security Initiative